Red Cross and Partner Groups Work Side-By-Side During Isaac

To provide better service delivery for those affected, we are working in partnership with other organizations which can help in these large relief responses.

Posted August 29, 2012

The response to help people affected by Hurricane Isaac is a large one, spanning several states with millions of people affected by the storm. The Red Cross is working closely with local, state and federal officials and community organizations to coordinate this multi-state relief response and help ensure people get the help they need.

“These large disasters are bigger than any one agency or organization can handle,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president of Red Cross Disaster Services. “To provide better service delivery for those affected, we are working in partnership with other organizations which can help in these large relief responses.”

Many organizations across the country are helping people affected by the storm. These organizations and businesses support Red Cross relief efforts in many ways, from feeding those affected and operating shelters, to conducting disaster assessments, offering spiritual care and health and mental health services, and teaching preparedness information. Red Cross disaster workers work side-by-side with volunteers from partner organizations to help those in need.

For instance, Southern Baptist Convention, AmeriCorps NCCC, Disaster Operations Volunteer Escapees, Islamic Relief USA, Labor Union Members, Medical Reserve Corps, NAACP and the National Baptist Convention USA have all sent volunteers to help people in the path of Isaac.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, which is coordinating kitchen and feeding efforts, also has childcare workers on stand-by and is sending volunteers to Louisiana to help with sheltering and driving emergency response vehicles. Members of the NAACP leadership have deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi.

Brethren Disaster Ministries, Children’s Disaster Services has trained childcare workers ready to deploy after Isaac makes landfall to help take care of children whose families are taking refuge in shelter. In addition, the National Baptist Convention USA has sent two teams of trained volunteers to Mississippi to help people there and is planning on sending more.

Save the Children is sending safe space kits for children in shelters. The National Black Nurses Association is working with the office of the Red Cross Chief Nurse to recruit nurses to respond if needed. The Teamsters-AFL-CIO has trucks and drivers available if needed and is helping identify forklift and truck drivers in Alabama and Mississippi and AmeriCorps NCCC has sent dozens of volunteers who are helping people across the Gulf states.

There are many different ways individuals, businesses and organizations can help the Red Cross respond to disasters. Corporate and Foundation partners help us provide aid when and where it’s needed. Community partners help us deliver services where needed. Members of the National Celebrity Cabinet help the Red Cross encourage people to help others in their time of need.

HOW PEOPLE CAN HELP Isaac is expected to cause widespread wind and flooding damage across the region, and the Red Cross has a major response underway. People can click or text to donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.